Privacy Policy

The Laptop Socut Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 26 December 2025
Last Material Revision: 26 December 2025

Introduction

The Laptop Scout (“we”, “us” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you visit https://thelaptopscout.com (the “Site”).

We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR).

We implement a Privacy-by-Design approach, embedding privacy into the architecture of the Site and our processes.

By using the Site, you agree to the practices outlined in this Policy.

Data Collection Principles

We aim to minimise the collection of personal data and prioritise user privacy:

  • No Automated Collection of PII: We do not automatically collect names, addresses, phone numbers, or sensitive personal data.
  • Pseudonymisation: Technical identifiers (e.g., IP addresses) are pseudonymised or aggregated immediately.
  • No Sensitive Data: We do not collect sensitive personal information such as health data, financial details, national insurance numbers, or precise geolocation.

Categories of Data We Collect

A. Non-Personal / Technical Data (Automatically Collected)

Collected via Google Analytics 4 (GA4), server logs, and Site performance tools:

  • Device and Browser Information: Browser version, operating system, device type, screen resolution.
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, referring/exit pages, clickstream data, date/time stamps.
  • Aggregated Location Data: Country and city-level location only.

This data is used for analytics, improving Site performance, security monitoring, and understanding audience trends, and cannot personally identify you.

B. Voluntary Personal Data

Collected only if you voluntarily provide it:

  • Contact Data: Name and email address submitted via the contact form or email (support@thelaptopscout.com).
  • Purpose: To respond to enquiries, provide support, and resolve specific issues.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies (e.g., pixels, web beacons) in compliance with PECR:

  1. Analytics Cookies: Used to monitor Site performance and user behaviour anonymously. IP addresses are anonymised.

  2. Affiliate / Referral Cookies: Used to track clicks for affiliate programmes such as Amazon Associates. These do not contain PII and comply with merchant privacy policies.

  3. Essential Cookies: Required for Site functionality and cannot be disabled.

Users can manage or withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time through our cookie consent tool or browser settings.

Legal Bases for Processing (UK GDPR)

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Legitimate Interests: Maintaining Site security, preventing fraud, and analysing aggregated usage to improve laptop recommendations.
  • Consent: Where required, e.g., for non-essential cookies or marketing communications.
  • Contractual Necessity: To respond to user enquiries submitted via our contact form or email.
  • Legal Obligation: Where required to comply with UK laws or legal proceedings.

Data Sharing and Third-Party Disclosures

We do not sell, rent, or lease user data. Data may be shared only with:

  • Service Providers / Data Processors: Hosting providers, analytics providers (GA4), and affiliate networks.
  • Legal Authorities: Only when required by law, valid court order, or legal process.

All third-party providers are contractually required to adhere to data protection standards consistent with UK GDPR.

Data Retention

  • Analytical / Non-Personal Data: Retained for a maximum of 2 months, then automatically deleted.
  • Voluntary Personal Data (Contact Messages): Retained only as long as necessary to respond and resolve enquiries.
  • General Principle: We review data periodically and do not keep data longer than necessary.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect data:

  • SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit.
  • Server-side access controls and authentication protocols to prevent unauthorised access.
  • Regular monitoring, audits, and software updates to minimise risks.

International Transfers

Our Site is hosted in the United States. By using the Site, you acknowledge that data may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. We implement safeguards via Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to ensure compliance with UK GDPR and maintain an adequate level of protection for personal data.

Children’s Privacy

The Site is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If a child has submitted personal data, please contact us for immediate removal.

Your Rights under UK GDPR & DPA 2018

UK residents have the following rights:

  1. Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold.

  2. Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

  3. Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (“Right to be forgotten”).

  4. Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we process your personal data in certain circumstances.

  5. Right to Object: Object to processing for legitimate interests or direct marketing.

  6. Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.

  7. Right to Withdraw Consent: At any time, for cookies or communications.

  8. Right to Complain: Complain with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you believe your data rights have been violated.

To exercise these rights, contact our Privacy Team:

Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy periodically. Any material changes will be posted on the Site with an updated Effective Date.

Contact Information

For questions, complaints, or data rights requests: